By Jane Fryar
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Galatians 6:18 ESV).
On March 25, 1911, a roaring blaze gutted the top three floors of a New York City high-rise sweatshop. One hundred forty-five workers died in the inferno, forty-nine of them leaping in terror from the flames to the street far below.
Many friends and family members worked together in this clothing factory. Some who made it to safety went back into the flames to try to rescue a sister or a fiancé still trapped inside. Many died in the attempt.
This world is being gutted, ravaged by the fires of sin. Wars rage. Governments topple. Terrorism stalks the innocent in times we least expect it. Satan prowls about looking for victims. Worst of all, a dying race is being condemned to life apart from God forever because of its rejection of him and its disobedience of his holy Law.
Christ voluntarily entered this inferno to rescue us. Because of his resurrection, we can know for certain that our deliverance is complete.
When the angel of God rescued the three Israelites from the fiery furnace, the men’s clothing bore not even the scent of smoke, even though they had been walking through the fire (Daniel 3:1-27). We who have been saved by Christ bear not even a faint residue of sin or death or shame.
No matter what we must endure, no matter through what fiery trials we must pass, the grace of Christ and the love of God will sustain us. Neither death nor hell itself can harm us. Jesus lives and so do we. Forever.
Prayer: Jesus, you are alive! You are the Lord of Life and our Lord. You have fulfilled each and every one of God’s promises. Help us to share your life with all those trapped in sin and death. We praise your overwhelming grace and love, dear Jesus. Alleluia! Amen!
Editor’s note: Would you like to encourage your church with more Easter messages like this? Check out all of CTA's Easter gifts for church.
